Industry News
Liz Maia Promoted At Disdero Lumber Co.
Liz Maia
Liz Maia was recently promoted to sales manager of Lock-Deck at Clackamas, OR-based, Disdero Lumber Co. after Gunnar Brinck announced his retirement.
Disdero is a national wholesaler providing specialty lumber throughout the United States and into Canada. The Lock-Deck team focuses on selling their laminated roof decking in species such as Southern Yellow Pine, Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine along with many others.
Liz’s first role in the forest products industry was as an administrative assistant with Disdero five years ago. She spent three years as a Lock-Deck sales assistant prior to promotion.
Gunnar Brink
She graduated from high school at Alliance Academy in Quito, Ecuador before moving to Oregon and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature from Portland State University.
She enjoys CrossFit, crafting, board / card games and baking.
Liz has one son (12) and one daughter (7).
For more details, call 503-607-2445, email lmaia@disdero.com, visit disdero.com or lockdeck.com.
Neiman Enterprises’ Newest Sales Team Addition
Thom Wright
Thom Wright is the newest addition to Neiman Enterprises, headquartered in Hulett, WY.
After spending a few years at Walla Walla University in College Place, WA, Wright graduated with a degree in Business Management from a university in Idaho that is no longer operating. Thom is adding more than 30 years of lumber experience to the Neiman team.
Wright’s favorite hobby is spending time with Julie, his wife of 20 years, and he intends to take up golf.
Neiman offers boards, pattern and shop in Ponderosa Pine out of Devils Tower Forest Products in Hulett, WY, Spearfish Forest Products in Spearfish, SD, Montrose Forest Products in Montrose, CO, and Gilchrist Forest Products in Gilchrist, OR. Englemann Spruce/Lodgepole Pine (ESLP) boards and pattern are available out of Montrose, CO, and Gilchrist, OR. Their ESLP studs are also manufactured in Montrose, CO.
Neiman serves wholesale distributors throughout the United States, in addition to selling products to big box stores, retail yards and industrial clients such as window and door companies.
Neiman Enterprises is a member of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, and their grading agency is the Western Wood Products Association.
For more information, go to neiman.com.
Seaboard International Forest Products LLC Promotions
Jenlian Chadwick
Forest City Trading Group LLC (FCTG) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Seaboard International Forest Products LLC (SIFP) located in Nashua, NH, are recently announced that Jenlian Chadwick has been promoted to president of Seaboard International Forest Products LLC.
Jim Dermody
Chadwick steps into the position as Jim Dermody retires from the role after 16 years of leadership and 32 years of service. He will remain with the organization as a senior advisor.
Ricky Leclerc
As part of FCTG’s ongoing commitment to leadership development and succession planning, Dermody and Chadwick have worked closely together over the past several years to facilitate this transition. Chadwick has been a trader at SIFP since September 2004.
In addition, Ricky Leclerc will be stepping into the role of vice president of trading at SIFP. Leclerc has been a trader at SIFP for over 19 years and has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities over the last couple of years, partnering with Chadwick to lead the trading floor.
For more, visit sifp.com.
BC Wood Announces Leadership Transition
Brian Hawrysh
BC Wood, located in Langley, BC, recently announced a planned leadership change as Chief Executive Officer Brian Hawrysh steps down after more than two decades at the helm. The association will begin the search for a new CEO in the coming weeks.
As he transitions towards retirement, Hawrysh will continue in an advisory role through 2026, mentoring staff and supporting key initiatives to ensure a smooth handover. His tenure has been marked by significant growth in membership, expanded international presence, and the launch of key programs including Wood First, First Nations engagement, and workforce development.
Looking forward, BC Wood will continue to champion BC’s value-added wood products sector through trade diversification events and global outreach, building on the strong foundation established under Hawrysh’s leadership.
For more information, contact hr@bcwood.com or visit bcwood.com.
RoyOMartin Announces Executive Leadership Transitions
Dr. Roy O. Martin III
On the occasion of its 102nd anniversary, RoyOMartin, a leader in the wood-products and forest management industry, announced that longtime Chairman and CEO Dr. Roy O. Martin III was expected to step back from his role as chief executive officer. Dr. Martin will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors and assume additional responsibilities as chief investment officer. The company’s current President and Chief Operating Officer, E. Scott Poole, has been appointed chief executive officer, marking the first time a non-Martin family member will lead the organization in its century-long history.
“Scott has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, integrity, and commitment throughout his 39 years with the company,” stated Dr. Roy O. Martin III.
E. Scott Poole
Poole began his career with RoyOMartin nearly four decades ago and has advanced through numerous leadership roles in forestry, operations and executive management.
“I am deeply honored to continue serving this remarkable organization in a new capacity,” stated Poole. “RoyOMartin’s success has always been rooted in its people, its values, and its commitment to doing what’s right for our team members, our customers and our communities.”
As Chairman of the Board and Chief Investment Officer, Dr. Roy O. Martin III will remain actively involved in guiding the company’s long-term strategic direction, financial stewardship, and community engagement, ensuring continued alignment with the Martin family’s founding values of faith, stewardship and excellence.
For more than a century, RoyOMartin has been recognized for its commitment to safety, sustainable forestry, high-quality wood products, and a people-first culture. The company remains privately held and firmly grounded in the principles that have sustained its success for generations.
Martco L.L.C. is a subsidiary of Martin Sustainable Resources L.L.C., the Martin family-owned parent to several companies that focus on land, timber, and mineral resources, emphasizing sustainable forestry and the manufacture of forest products. It is best known by its trade name RoyOMartin, which honors the entrepreneurial spirit of Roy O. Martin, Sr., who began the family’s first business (a sawmill operation) in 1923. RoyOMartin currently operates two manufacturing facilities in Louisiana. A third facility is operated in Texas by its wholly owned Texas subsidiary. RoyOMartin has more than 1,400 employees.
For more information, visit royomartin.com.
Stella-Jones Acquires Brooks Manufacturing Co.
Eric Vachon
Saint-Laurent, QC-based, Stella-Jones Inc. recently announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the assets of Brooks Manufacturing Co. The purchase price amounted to approximately US$140 million, subject to working capital adjustments.
Brooks manufactures treated wood distribution crossarms and transmission framing components from their facility located in Bellingham, WA. Brooks’ consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2024, totaled approximately US$84 million.
“We are pleased to officially welcome the Brooks team to Stella-Jones,” stated Eric Vachon, president and chief executive officer of Stella-Jones. “This acquisition further strengthens our position as a partner of choice to utilities and aligns with our ambitions to support strong infrastructure across North America.”
Stella-Jones Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of products focused on supporting infrastructure that are essential to the delivery of electrical distribution and transmission, and the operation and maintenance of railway transportation systems. It supplies the continent’s major electrical utilities companies with treated wood and steel utility poles and steel lattice towers, as well as North America’s Class 1, short line and commercial railroad operators with treated wood railway ties and timbers. It also supports infrastructure with industrial products, namely timbers for railway bridges, crossings and construction, marine and foundation pilings and coal tar-based products. Additionally, Stella-Jones manufactures and distributes premium treated residential lumber and accessories to Canadian and American retailers for outdoor applications.
For more details, visit stella-jones.com/en.
Boise Cascade Announces Executive Leadership Promotions
Nate Jorgensen
Boise Cascade Company (“Boise Cascade” or the “Company”) recently announced that Nate Jorgensen, chief executive officer, plans to retire effective March 2, 2026. The board of directors unanimously appointed Jeff Strom, chief operating officer, to succeed Jorgensen effective March 3, 2026. Jorgensen will continue to serve as a director on the company’s board after his retirement. The company does not plan to backfill the chief operating officer role after the transition.
“This is a planned transition and part of the company’s deliberate and long-term succession planning process to ensure stability and continued momentum in our strategy and operations,” said Tom Carlile, chair of Boise Cascade’s board.
“Together, we’ve grown our business, strengthened our relationships and positioned our company for long-term success,” said Jorgensen.
Jeff Strom
“Our company’s strength lies in our people and our shared commitment to excellence in everything we do,” said Strom.
Strom has been in the building materials industry for over 34 years. He joined Boise Cascade in 2006 and has served in several key roles and progressive leadership positions during his 19 years with the company. Prior to his current role as the chief operating officer, he was the executive vice president of the company’s building materials distribution (BMD) division. Prior to that, he was the vice president and general manager for the BMD Eastern Region.
Strom holds a bachelor’s degree in management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity.
In other news, Boise Cascade Company recently announced two executive leadership promotions.
Dennis Fringuelli
Dennis Fringuelli was named vice president of sales and marketing for the Company’s Building Materials Distribution (BMD) division.
Fringuelli began his career in the building materials industry in 1994. He joined Boise Cascade in 1999 as national account manager when the Company acquired his previous employer, Furman Lumber.
Fringuelli went on to serve in a series of roles with increasing responsibility, including BMD national account sales manager. Before this promotion, Fringuelli was the director of BMD sales and marketing.
Fringuelli earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette.
Jeff Dracup
Jeff Dracup was named Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Engineered Wood Products (EWP).
Dracup joined Boise Cascade in 2004. He began his career in sales and product management roles at the Company’s BMD facility in Phoenix, AZ. After three years, he was promoted to national account manager. From there, he held a series of progressive sales and marketing positions, including BMD national account sales manager.
He then moved to the Company’s Wood Products division and served as the sales manager for the EWP Western Region. Before this promotion, Dracup was the director of EWP sales and marketing.
Dracup earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in business administration from the University of Arizona.
Boise Cascade is one of the largest U.S. wholesale distributors of building materials and a leading manufacturer of engineered wood products and plywood in North America. Headquartered in Boise, ID, they operate more than 60 distribution and manufacturing facilities strategically located across the U.S. and Canada. Their work is powered by a team of over 7,500 people.
Learn more at bc.com.
DryTrack® Freedom: A Simpler, Smarter Way To Monitor Moisture
KDS Windsor recently introduced the DryTrack Freedom, an officially patented, next-generation DryTrack system for moisture monitoring in kiln drying. It installs faster, requires less maintenance, and delivers consistent results, according to KDS Windsor.
The Old Way: Raising Arms and Inserted Plates
Traditional systems required forklift operators to insert stainless steel plates into lumber packs. During drying, mechanical arms would rise to touch these plates and gather moisture data. This process had downsides:
• Frequent maintenance due to moving parts exposed to heat and steam
• Missed or misaligned plates causing inconsistent readings
• Safety risks from operators exiting forklifts to handle plates
• Risk of forgotten plates damaging downstream equipment
DryTrack Freedom
A New Way: DryTrack Freedom
“DryTrack Freedom,” stated a KDS Windsor spokesperson, eliminates these issues with a smarter approach:
• No plates. No arms. No worries. Spring-loaded roller brushes gently contact lumber and collect moisture data continuously
• Reliable readings. No missed plates or gaps, just consistent data
• Low maintenance. Fewer parts mean fewer problems
• Improved safety. Forklift operators stay in their machines, reducing risk and saving time
Tested and Proven
This image portrays how the DryTrack Freedom operate
DryTrack Freedom has delivered promising results in field tests. The system provides consistent readings and can be easily calibrated to match moisture targets at the planer. Using an electromagnetic field between brushes ensures accurate, repeatable performance.
Why It Matters
DryTrack Freedom offers:
• Reduced labor and handling
• Greater safety
• Reliable moisture data
• Less downtime and lower costs
Visit kdskilns.com to learn more.
Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force Established
The Government of Canada recently announced a new task force designed to improve the competitiveness of the country’s forest products sector.
The announcement was made by Tim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resources, while offering an update on the progress of federal support measures for Canada’s forest sector and introducing a new Natural Resources Canada website that explains how to apply to federal programs related to the forest products sector.
The Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force, which starts this year, will be seeking input from industry members, provinces and territories, Indigenous foresters, communities and labor groups on how to restructure the forest sector to ensure the sector’s long-term success.
The task force will have 90 days to consult with interested parties on recommendations for best practices for expanding the use of mass timber and modular systems; diversifying products; identifying new markets; and improving productivity. More task force members will be announced in the coming weeks.
Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program has announced funding for several initiatives to help promote various wood-based solutions and systems.
The Canadian Wood Council is receiving more than $8.5 million in funding from the GCWood program for three projects. According to a Government of Canada press release, these projects will increase the use of wood-based solutions, systems and products in Canada, increase the number of educational offerings and content related to wood construction education and more.
The Climate Smart Buildings Alliance will receive $272,000 in funding from the GCWood program to conduct a feasibility and/or prototype-level assessment of potential solutions to address insurance challenges faced by the mass timber construction industry.
Sustainable Buildings Canada will receive $261,900 in funding from the GCWood program for a project to develop a mass timber costing guide designed to help educate people about cost issues associated with the design, engineering, code equivalency and construction of large mass timber buildings.
Visit natural-resources.canada.ca for more details.
Nordic Structures Appoints Jeff Bryce As Technical Sales Representative
Jeff Bryce
Montreal, QC-based, Nordic Structures recently announced the appointment of Jeff Bryce as technical sales representative for North America, supporting customers across the United States and Canada in the residential and light commercial construction markets.
Bryce joined Nordic Structures from Boise Cascade Wood Products, bringing more than 25 years of experience in the building industry. “Engineered wood products have been a central focus throughout his career, providing him with strong technical expertise and a practical understanding of the needs of builders, designers and supply partners,” stated a Nordic Structures representative.
Bryce holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut and is a dedicated family man.
Nordic Structures will soon be reaching out to schedule introductions with their customer base and to further strengthen their partnerships across the market.
Bryce can be reached at jeffrey.bryce@nordic.ca. Visit nordic.ca/fr/accueil.
